Midterms are finally over. The long study sessions are behind us — at least for now. With a little more breathing room, it’s the perfect time to revisit some of the songs that carried me through the past week.
This remix leans into the dreamy, psychedelic sound that makes Tame Impala recognizable. The layered synths, layered vocals, and steady beat create the perfect atmosphere of enjoyment without being too intense. It’s the kind of track that makes even repetitive things — like making flashcards — feel a little more fun.
I absolutely loved “Midnight Sun” by Zara Larsson, so when I saw she had a collaboration with PinkPantheress, I was immediately excited. “Stateside” did not disappoint. The song has an upbeat, airy energy that genuinely makes me happy, which made reviewing notes feel a little less painful. It’s the kind of track that makes a study session feel lighter.
I’m a fan of Taylor Swift’s music, and I stand by that. She has some incredible songs, and her music has helped me through some tough moments — both emotionally and academically. “Opalite” has a steady rhythm that works surprisingly well when you’re writing or reviewing notes. If you know me, you know I love to write, and her music has definitely helped me stay on top of my academics. When I’m halfway through an assignment and ready to just let my grade tank, a song like this helps motivate me.
I grew up listening to Little Mix, so their music always feels familiar. “Joan of Arc” has a beat that’s energetic enough to keep you alert without becoming too overwhelming. It’s a fun song to have in the background while working through readings or flashcards. Two other favorites of mine from them are “Sweet Melody” and “Wings,” which also deserve some recognition.
This might feel like a sudden shift in genre — and it is — but it’s also one of my favorite songs. I’m a big fan of 1980s music, especially Prince. Don’t even get me started on my Midwest pride for him. I have an ’80s playlist that’s about seven and a half hours long, and this song happens to be part of my study rotation too. Sometimes a little classic rock energy is exactly what you need to stay awake.
Yes, I’m listing an entire album — and there’s a reason for that. “Un Día Normal” is one of the few albums where I never have skipped a single track. If you’ve known me since I was ten, you probably already know how much I love Juanes. I grew up listening to Latin rock, and it’s still one of my favorite genres. This album has gotten me through countless study sessions with friends, and I could probably talk about Juanes’ music for hours.
Hip-hop and trap music often use rhythms and production that keep my brain active without being overly distracting. This song has a steady beat and a memorable flow that makes it easy to stay focused while still enjoying the music. It’s one of those tracks that makes a study session feel a little less mundane.
NewJeans has released some incredibly memorable tracks, and “Ditto” is no exception. It’s upbeat, light and easy to listen to — exactly the kind of song that helps keep your energy up during a long night of studying. When you’re hours into making various mnemonics to remember everything you’ve studied, something bright and fun like this can make a surprising difference.
While midterms may be over, the playlists that got us through them rarely disappear.
